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Tension: Habits once hailed as polite or hardworking—unsolicited phone calls, chain emails, chronic one-upmanship—now drain cross-generational goodwill.
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Noise: Nostalgic narratives defend “the good old ways,” muffling feedback that social context has shifted and courtesy now speaks a different dialect.
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Direct Message: Relevance isn’t about age; it’s about updating relational firmware so enthusiasm feels energizing, not overwhelming.
Find out how we translate cultural friction into actionable insight in The Direct Message methodology.
We all know someone who sticks to certain behaviors, right?
It’s as though they are stuck in a bygone era, clinging to practices that might have been all the rage in their heyday but are now just… well, tiring.
Frequently, these are tied to the so-called ‘boomer generation’, and while it’s not always fair to stereotype, there’s no denying that these behaviors can make interactions a little more draining than they need to be.
I’ve noticed them in myself from time to time.
You know, those moments when you catch yourself doing something your parents or even grandparents would do and you think… is this still okay?
These habits may seem harmless, but they could be making you an exhausting person to deal with without you even realizing.
Let’s dive into seven of these outdated ‘boomer behaviors’ that may need a second look.
Stick around if you’re curious – or if you’re worried that you might be guilty of a few yourself, don’t worry – we’ve all been there.
1) Resistance to technology
We live in a digital age, there’s no denying it.
Smartphones, social media, online banking – these have all become essential components of our lives. For many of us, they’ve become second nature.
But if you’re the kind of person who scoffs at technology, you might be unknowingly irritating those around you.
Here’s the thing. It’s not about becoming a tech whizz overnight – far from it! It’s about showing a willingness to adapt and learn, to keep up with the times.
Because let’s face it – when you refuse to learn how to use a smartphone or insist on writing checks instead of transferring money online, it can make interactions with you cumbersome and frustrating.
Being open to technology not only makes life more convenient for you but for others as well. So don’t dismiss it outright – give it a chance.
You might just surprise yourself.
2) The ‘good old days’ syndrome
This one hits close to home.
I’ve caught myself doing it – reminiscing about the ‘good old days’. It’s a common trap, especially when the world seems to be changing at such a rapid pace.
But here’s the issue: when we constantly hark back to the past, we risk becoming stuck there. This can make us seem out of touch and, frankly, exhausting to be around.
For instance, I remember a time when I was at a dinner party with some friends. As usual, the conversation was lively and varied, ranging from the latest Netflix shows to current political events.
Then, I began waxing lyrical about how things were so much better ‘back in my day’.
I didn’t realize it then, but looking back now, I can see how my nostalgia might have put a damper on the conversation.
Instead of engaging with the present and participating in the discussion, I was stuck in the past.
The world moves forward, not backward. It’s okay to cherish memories, but it’s important not to let them overshadow our ability to engage with the present.
3) The ‘my way or the highway’ attitude
Albert Einstein once said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”
Change isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. It’s how we grow, evolve and adapt to the world around us.
But sometimes, we might find ourselves stubbornly refusing to change. We insist on doing things our way because that’s how we’ve always done them. But as Einstein pointed out, adaptability is a sign of intelligence.
I’ve seen this in action before, and I’m sure you have too. Picture this: a particular way of doing things has been effective for years.
But now, there’s a new method that’s more efficient or simply makes more sense.
Instead of embracing this change, you dig your heels in and insist on the old way because it’s ‘tried and true’.
This ‘my way or the highway’ attitude can be exhausting for others to deal with. It can hinder progress and create unnecessary conflict. Change isn’t always bad; sometimes, it’s just different.
Embrace it, and you might find that others find you easier to deal with.
4) Over-reliance on traditional media
Did you know that, according to a 2019 Pew Research Center report, adults over the age of 65 are more than twice as likely to get their news from television as adults under 30?
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with getting news from TV, it can become a problem when it’s your sole source of information.
In this digital age, the world is at our fingertips. There are countless sources of news available online, each offering a different perspective on world events.
However, if you’re only tuning into the same news broadcast every night, you’re getting a limited view of what’s happening in the world. This can make conversations with you feel one-sided and outdated.
Broadening your media horizon can not only make you more informed, but also more engaging to interact with.
So why not explore a bit? You might find that it’s not as daunting as it seems.
5) Dismissing new ideas without consideration
We’ve been discussing a lot about adaptability, embracing change and broadening horizons.
But there’s another side to this coin that can be just as exhausting: dismissing new ideas outright, without even considering them.
It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that because something is new or different, it’s inherently bad or wrong. But this kind of thinking can make you seem closed-minded and difficult to deal with.
For example, imagine a conversation about a new diet trend or a revolutionary technology. Instead of asking questions or trying to understand it, you just wave it off saying, “It’s all nonsense.”
This kind of dismissal can shut down conversations and alienate people trying to engage with you.
Being open-minded doesn’t mean blindly accepting every new idea that comes your way. It means being willing to listen, learn and consider different perspectives – even if they challenge your own.
It makes for better conversations and relationships, don’t you think?
6) Not respecting personal boundaries
From all the points we’ve discussed so far, it’s clear that adaptability and openness are key to being less exhausting to deal with.
But there’s another important aspect that we haven’t touched on yet: respecting personal boundaries.
In a world where we’re more connected than ever before, personal boundaries can sometimes feel like a thing of the past. But they’re more important than ever.
Maybe you’re the type who thinks it’s okay to call someone late at night because that’s what used to be the norm.
Or perhaps you tend to overshare personal details in conversations, not realizing that it could make others uncomfortable.
Respecting other people’s boundaries is crucial in maintaining healthy relationships. It shows that you value and respect them as individuals with their own needs and preferences.
So next time you pick up the phone or start a conversation, take a moment to consider whether you’re respecting the other person’s boundaries. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in how others perceive you.
7) Being stuck in your ways
If there’s one common thread that runs through all the points we’ve discussed, it’s this: being stuck in your ways can make you exhausting to deal with.
Whether it’s refusing to adapt to technology, harking back to the ‘good old days’, or dismissing new ideas without consideration, these behaviors can come across as rigid, inflexible, and difficult to navigate around.
It’s not about giving up who you are or changing your entire personality. It’s about realizing that the world is dynamic and ever-changing, and that we need to adapt and grow with it.
Choosing to evolve doesn’t mean losing yourself. In fact, it can give you a fresh perspective, help you form deeper connections, and make you less exhausting to deal with.
In the end, isn’t it more rewarding to be a person who embraces change rather than resists it?
After all, life is all about growth and transformation. So let’s keep evolving – for our own sake and for those around us.
8) Lack of empathy
At the heart of all these behaviors lies one crucial element that can make or break any interaction: empathy.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and seeing things from their perspective.
When we lack empathy, we become trapped in our own world view, unable to see or appreciate the experiences and perspectives of others. This can make us seem distant, disconnected, and yes – exhausting to deal with.
Maybe you’re quick to judge or slow to listen. Maybe you dismiss other people’s experiences because they’re different from your own.
This lack of empathy can create a barrier between you and others, making meaningful connections harder to form.
But here’s the good news: empathy can be cultivated. It starts with listening – truly listening – to others. By understanding their experiences, feelings, and perspectives, we learn to appreciate the diversity and richness of human experience.
Empathy doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone or abandoning your own beliefs. It simply means acknowledging that other people’s experiences are just as valid as your own. And in doing so, we become less exhausting and more enjoyable to be around.
Embracing change
If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these outdated ‘boomer behaviors’, don’t be disheartened. Acknowledging these tendencies is the first step towards change.
Changing habits isn’t an overnight process. It requires conscious effort and patience. Start by recognizing when these behaviors crop up in daily interactions.
Are you dismissing new ideas without consideration or relying too heavily on traditional means? Spotting these patterns is half the battle won.
Next, question your actions. Are they reflective of who you are as a person, or are they remnants of past practices that no longer serve you or those around you?
Take small steps towards change. Embrace technology, be open to new ideas, respect personal boundaries and cultivate empathy.
Each step taken is a move towards becoming a more adaptable, understanding and less exhausting person to interact with.
This journey of change isn’t just about making others’ lives easier – it’s about enriching your own experiences too.
As Leon C. Megginson once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.”
So, take this as an invitation to evolve and grow. After all, we’re all works in progress, constantly learning and adapting.
And remember, every small change you make not only affects those around you but also contributes to your personal growth.
So here’s to embracing change and becoming the best versions of ourselves – for our own sake and for those we interact with.
